Olly Alexander gives students at old college 'hope'

Alexandra Birring (right) said Olly Alexander gives her hope that a journalist might be interviewing someone about her one day

Olly Alexander gives the next generation "hope," according to students at his old college.

The singer and actor left Hereford College of Arts in 2008 after landing his big break in Gaspar Noé's film Enter the Void.

The 33-year-old went on to become the lead singer for the group Years and Years, played the lead in the critically acclaimed series It's A Sin and is now the UK entry in Saturday's 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.

Harry Cummins, who is studying a Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts and Production Arts, said: "It gives you a sense of hope going here."

He continued: "Doing the same course as Olly allows you to feel as though you can achieve the same as him.

"Going to a college that specialises in performing arts, it gives you the opportunity to spread your wings and achieve your dreams."

Alexandra Birring, studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts, said it was "really nice" to see someone as successful as Olly had the same training as her.

"It just really gives me hope that that could actually be me one day and someone might be doing an interview about me one day," she said.

Speaking to the BBC ahead of his Eurovision performance, Olly said: "I cannot believe that it is happening to be honest with you, this whole experience feels like a dream.

"I have watched Eurovision since I was a kid and now I am going to be out there on the stage, flying the flag for my country.

"It is quite overwhelming but very exciting."